Mosquitos really bug you? Me too!

Written by

Stephanie Emenecker

on June 4, 2020

It’s summer and pesky bugs are beginning to come out and about these days! Enjoying the outdoors doesn’t have to be a pain though. Keep yourself safe and protected with products that are good for your body, environment and entire family!

I am one of those people that the bugs seem to gravitate toward so I had to take a closer look at a few myths/facts around these pesky bugs!

Myth 1: Mosquitos prefer a certain human blood type.

TRUE! A study performed by the United States National Institute of Health observed that mosquitos were most attracted to persons with type O blood, with type A taking second place. Other factors contribute as well. Dr. Baumann-Blackmore explains, “Substances, such as ammonia and lactic acid, found in sweat are known to attract mosquitoes,” Dr. Baumann-Blackmore says. “People with higher body temperatures, due to genetics, exercise, fever or pregnancy, also attract them. Wearing black, dark blue or red clothing can also make you a mosquito magnet. One study even showed that mosquitoes are attracted to people who have been drinking beer – and this was independent of any of the above factors.”

Myth 2: Scratching a mosquito bite will clear the bite and make it heal faster.

FALSE! Scratching might feel like it is exactly what you need, but it can actually prolong the healing process. Some at home tricks to minimizing the itch can be placing an ice cube on the bite, apply honey to the bite (honestly this is super messy), make a paste with oatmeal and apply it to the bite, use a cool tea bag (green or black tea), use essential oils such as lavender, Purification, or tea tree, or apply aloe vera.

Myth 3: Mosquitos can be avoided if you don’t go out in early morning or early evening.

Not necessarily. According to the CDC, mosquitos carrying different disease are active at different times of the day. *not all these diseases may be applicable to your area

Although exposure might be higher at certain times, the best way to prevent mosquito bites is to always use repellent when there is a risk.

Myth 4: All repellents are created equal.

FALSE. They do come in a variety of forms, but certain deterrents are better at preventing disease spread than others. Also, higher concentrations of ingredients do not mean they will work better, it only means they will last longer on your skin. Candles, clip-ons, and bracelets are not recommended by the EWG because they can be toxic, ineffective, and present inhalation risks. Aerosol sprays should also be avoided to reduce chances of inhalation. If you would like to learn more about the EWG’s stance on DEET, follow this link.

For our purposes here, we are going to help you find more natural options to reduce the exposure to toxins and endocrine disruptors that are present in many popular products. Join us this week in The Hassle-Free Family as we look at